Danica Patrick’s tweet about the attire of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has generated a social media frenzy. The ex-NASCAR driver and IndyCar race winner, as well as current F1 commentator, was quick to attack Zelenskyy’s attire after his recent meeting with President Donald Trump.
Patrick’s remark has set off a chain reaction on social platforms, drawing a biting retort from a former Red Bull Racing employee known as Dan. The ensuing exchange stirred debate and ultimately suspended Dan’s X account, raising questions about free speech and online moderation.
Danica Patrick’s Remarks on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Attire Sparks Heated Debate
Patrick’s tweet quickly caught the attention of motorsports fans and critics alike. She wrote, “I just can’t take Zelenskyy seriously in that tracksuit. 174B later and still no suit….. or respect.”
Patrick’s comment referenced a high-profile meeting where Zelenskyy appeared without a suit, despite the significant financial aid — reported at $174 billion — provided by the United States.
I just can’t take Zelenskyy seriously in that track suit.
174B later and still no suit….. or respect.
— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) February 28, 2025
The tweet resonated with both her fans and critics. While many sympathized with Patrick’s message, others condemned her focus on dress.
The discussion soon evolved into a broader debate about respect and symbolism in high-stakes international relations, pitting fashion critiques against political propriety. The public’s fascination with presidential visits and scrutinizing leaders’ personal styles further fueled the controversy.
Twitter Turmoil: Dan’s Suspension and Online Reactions
In a swift retort, former Red Bull employee Dan took to X to counter Patrick’s remarks. He stated, “Respect isn’t about what you wear. You wore a race suit for years and the only thing people took seriously was GoDaddy’s marketing budget.”
Dan’s response, laced with sarcasm and a swipe at Patrick’s own racing background, triggered some while appreciated by others.
Dan’s comment soon ignited the controversy online. Within hours, his X account was suspended, and the action caused shockwaves on social media.
Most users credited the action to the platform’s high-profile users and moderation policies. Some attributed it to overly strict enforcement under Elon Musk, while others accused Patrick of stoking a backlash that stifled different views.
Pour one out for EngineMode11. Daddy Elon is too soft for the fraudmode11. 🫡
— Blake (@brrrake) March 1, 2025
The suspension has triggered a tide of reactions. Critics argued that the ban flips the “public town square” model of social media on its head, while supporters of suspension believed that the remark had crossed the boundaries of what was acceptable.
So much for a "public town square" eh 🤐
— Tommo (@TommoMcCluskey) March 1, 2025
The episode has also reignited debate about free speech on the internet, with advocates of the motorsport claiming that personality clashes in the sport ought not to be held to such harsh account. In the meantime, the outrage continues to cling to Patrick’s original tweet and what it means.
The exchange is a testament to the volatile intersection of sports commentary, political symbolism, and online culture. Amid the controversy, the episode serves as a reminder of how a tweet can so readily be a huge controversy, affecting careers and fueling a national conversation about respect, free speech, and social media power.
